Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVKT-MP2696A

Overview

EVKT-MP2696A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation kit for the MP2696A I²C-controlled, single-cell Li-ion/Li-Polymer switching charger with integrated power path management and 3A boost output. It supports input voltage 4.5V–6.0V, programmable charge current (500mA–3600mA), battery regulation voltage (3.60V–4.45V), boost output (5.05V–5.225V), and up to 6.5A discharge peak current. It enables rapid validation of battery charging, system power sourcing, and boost conversion in portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the EVKT-MP2696A datasheet, EVKT-MP2696A pinout, EVKT-MP2696A application, or EVKT-MP2696A equivalent, this kit provides hands-on access to real-time I²C register control, JEITA temperature monitoring, input current limiting, SYS short-circuit protection, and seamless transition between pass-through, charge, and boost modes - critical for USB-powered portable device development.

Technical Context

The EVKT-MP2696A implements the full functional stack of the MP2696A IC: three-phase charging (pre-charge, constant-current, constant-voltage), dual-path power routing (IN-to-SYS pass-through and battery-to-SYS boost), and real-time I²C register visibility into VBAT, IBAT, VIN, IIN, thermal status, and fault flags. It operates across 4.5V–6.0V input and delivers regulated 5.05V–5.225V at up to 3A boost load.

Hardware includes the EV2696A-Q-00B evaluation board, EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface (USB-to-I²C bridge), ribbon cable, and GUI software (v1.0) supporting Windows XP and later. No external components are required beyond a DC input supply and battery/load - enabling immediate functional assessment without custom PCB design.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVKT-MP2696A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical monitors, USB-C powered IoT gateways, rugged handheld scanners, and rechargeable industrial sensors requiring stable component supply and validated reference firmware.

Supply support for EVKT-MP2696A includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance power management ICs, with expertise in DC/DC converters, battery chargers, and motor drivers for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The MP2696A product line targets highly integrated, I²C-programmable battery management for space-constrained portable systems - emphasizing simultaneous charging, system power sourcing, and safe boost operation without external MOSFETs or discrete controllers.

FAQ

What hardware is included in the EVKT-MP2696A kit?

The kit contains the EV2696A-Q-00B evaluation board, EVKT-USBI2C-02 USB-to-I²C communication interface, ribbon cable, and access to downloadable GUI software (v1.0), user guide, datasheet, and product brief. A laptop, battery, and external power supply are not included but required for operation.

Does the EVKT-MP2696A support JEITA-compliant battery temperature monitoring?

Yes - the underlying MP2696A IC implements full JEITA profile monitoring via NTC thermistor input, and the EVKT-MP2696A exposes this functionality through configurable I²C registers. The GUI allows real-time readout and threshold programming of cold/hot charge/discharge limits per JEITA standard.

Can the EVKT-MP2696A operate without a host PC after initial configuration?

No - the EVKT-MP2696A requires continuous I²C communication with the GUI-hosted PC to configure parameters and monitor status. It does not retain programmed settings across power cycles and lacks standalone firmware or nonvolatile register storage.

What is the maximum sustained boost output current supported by the EVKT-MP2696A?

The EVKT-MP2696A supports up to 3A sustained boost output current at 5.1V, as specified in the MP2696A datasheet and validated on the EV2696A-Q-00B board layout with its integrated 3.5mΩ internal FETs and thermal pad design.

Is input current limiting adjustable during operation?

Yes - input current limit is fully programmable via I²C register (0x07, bits[5:0]) from 100mA to 3000mA in 100mA steps. The GUI provides slider-based real-time adjustment, and the limit remains active during both charge and pass-through modes.

Does the EVKT-MP2696A include overvoltage protection on the input supply?

Yes - the MP2696A IC features built-in input overvoltage protection (OVP) triggered at 6.5V typical, which shuts down the input switch and isolates the system. This protection is active and verified on the EVKT-MP2696A board using the internal OVP comparator and fault flag reporting via I²C.